Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookie Bars: A Sweet and Chewy Delight

If you’re a fan of soft, chewy sugar cookies but don’t want to go through the hassle of rolling and cutting out individual cookies, then Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookie Bars are the perfect treat for you. These bars take all the buttery goodness of classic sugar cookies and turn them into an easy-to-make dessert with a vibrant cherry twist.

With their sweet almond-cherry flavor, soft texture, and rich cream cheese frosting, these cookie bars are a delightful option for Valentine’s Day, baby showers, holiday gatherings, or any time you’re craving a sweet treat. Not only do they look stunning with their pops of red from the maraschino cherries, but they also deliver a perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess in every bite.

In this article, we’ll explore why these cookie bars are a must-try, expert baking tips, serving suggestions, storage methods, and frequently asked questions to help you create a dessert that will have everyone coming back for more.

Why You’ll Love These Sugar Cookie Bars

1. A Chewy and Buttery Texture

Unlike traditional sugar cookies that can sometimes turn out dry or crumbly, these cookie bars stay soft and chewy thanks to the moisture from the maraschino cherries and butter. The added almond extract enhances the flavor, making these bars both rich and fragrant.

2. Quick and Easy to Make

Rolling and cutting sugar cookies can be time-consuming, but this recipe eliminates that extra work. Simply press the dough into a baking pan, bake, and frost with a luscious cream cheese topping for a dessert that looks impressive with minimal effort.

3. A Flavor Combination That Stands Out

The combination of sweet maraschino cherries and almond extract creates a unique and slightly nostalgic flavor. If you’ve ever enjoyed cherry-almond desserts, amaretti cookies, or cherry Danish pastries, you’ll love the flavor profile of these bars.

4. Perfect for Any Occasion

With their soft pink hue and pops of cherry, these bars are great for festive occasions like Valentine’s Day, baby showers, and Christmas. Add sprinkles or colored sugar to match any event’s theme.

Ingredients

For the Sugar Cookie Bars:

• Soft butter
• Granulated sugar
• Large eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Almond extract
• All-purpose flour
• Salt
• Baking powder
• Maraschino cherries, finely chopped

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• Cream cheese, softened
• Soft butter
• Vanilla extract
• Almond extract
• Dash of salt
• Powdered sugar

Directions

1. Prepare the Sugar Cookie Dough

Drain and chop the maraschino cherries. In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, vanilla, and almond extract.

2. Mix and Press the Dough

Stir in flour, salt, and baking powder, then gently fold in the chopped cherries. Press the dough evenly into a greased 9×13″ pan.

3. Bake Until Lightly Golden

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly browned. Let the bars cool completely.

4. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat together cream cheese, butter, vanilla, almond extract, and salt until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar until the frosting is thick and spreadable.

5. Frost and Serve

Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled bars. Cut into squares and enjoy!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 317 kcal
• Total Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Cholesterol: 41mg
• Sodium: 146mg
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 44g
• Protein: 2g

Tips for the Best Sugar Cookie Bars

Even though this recipe is straightforward, there are a few key techniques that will help you achieve perfectly soft and flavorful cookie bars every time.

1. Drain the Cherries Well

Maraschino cherries add a beautiful color and fruity sweetness, but they also contain a lot of liquid. If they are not drained and dried properly, they can add too much moisture to the dough, resulting in a gummy or overly wet texture. Pat them dry with a paper towel before chopping and folding them into the batter.

2. Use Almond Extract for a Classic Cherry Flavor

Almond extract is a secret weapon in cherry-based desserts. Even if you’re not a fan of almonds, you’ll appreciate how this extract enhances the sweetness and depth of the cherries, creating a bakery-style flavor.

3. Don’t Overbake

These cookie bars should be just lightly golden on the edges but still soft in the center when you take them out of the oven. Overbaking can lead to dry, crumbly bars, so check them a minute or two before the suggested baking time to ensure they stay tender.

4. Let the Bars Cool Before Frosting

Since the frosting is made with cream cheese, it’s essential to let the bars cool completely before spreading it on top. If the bars are even slightly warm, the frosting will melt and lose its smooth texture.

5. Use a Sharp Knife for Clean Slices

To achieve neat, bakery-style squares, use a sharp knife or a plastic knife when cutting the bars. For an even cleaner cut, chill the bars for 15 minutes before slicing.

How to Serve These Cookie Bars

These bars are delicious on their own, but here are a few fun ways to serve them for an extra-special touch:

1. Decorate with Sprinkles or Colored Sugar

If you’re making these for a holiday or themed party, sprinkle some pink, red, or white sprinkles over the frosting before it sets. You can also add crushed freeze-dried cherries for extra flavor and color.

2. Serve with Fresh Berries

Pair these bars with fresh strawberries or raspberries for a refreshing contrast to their sweetness. The tartness of fresh fruit helps balance the rich cream cheese frosting.

3. Enjoy with a Cup of Tea or Coffee

The subtle almond and cherry flavors pair beautifully with a cup of black tea, green tea, or a latte. The richness of the cookie bars complements the slight bitterness of coffee for a perfectly balanced treat.

4. Drizzle with White or Dark Chocolate

For a more decadent presentation, drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over the top of the bars after frosting. The contrast of creamy chocolate with tangy cherries is absolutely irresistible.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

1. How to Store Cookie Bars

• Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• If stacking the bars, place a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent the frosting from sticking.

2. Can You Freeze These Bars?

Yes! These bars freeze well.

• To freeze, wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• Thaw at room temperature or in the refrigerator before serving.

3. Can I Make These Bars Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can prepare and bake the bars a day in advance, then frost them the next day for the freshest texture. If making them ahead, store them covered in the refrigerator.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I Use Fresh Cherries Instead of Maraschino Cherries?

Maraschino cherries are sweeter and softer than fresh cherries, making them ideal for this recipe. However, you can use fresh cherries—just pit and chop them finely, and add a bit more sugar to balance the tartness.

2. What If I Don’t Like Almond Extract?

If you prefer not to use almond extract, you can increase the vanilla extract slightly or use a dash of cherry extract for a stronger cherry flavor.

3. Can I Make These Bars Gluten-Free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour. Keep in mind that gluten-free flour absorbs liquid differently, so you may need to adjust the baking time slightly.

4. What’s the Best Way to Get a Smooth, Fluffy Frosting?

• Use room temperature cream cheese and butter for easy mixing.
• Beat the frosting until light and fluffy—this helps create a smooth, spreadable consistency.
• If the frosting is too thick, add a splash of milk to loosen it up.

5. Can I Make These Without Frosting?

Absolutely! The bars are delicious on their own with a dusting of powdered sugar if you prefer a simpler treat.

Conclusion: A Cookie Bar Worth Savoring

Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookie Bars are a delicious, eye-catching dessert that’s as easy to make as it is to enjoy. With their soft sugar cookie base, bursts of sweet cherry flavor, and creamy frosting, they are the perfect combination of chewy, buttery, and indulgent.

Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or simply to satisfy a sweet craving, these bars are sure to delight both kids and adults alike. Their ease of preparation, versatility, and beautiful presentation make them a go-to dessert for any time of the year.

So the next time you’re looking for a sweet and simple dessert that will impress your family and friends, give these Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookie Bars a try—you won’t be disappointed!

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